Question QUESTION: Hi! I am planning to go down to Honduras to start a new
business. I'm Spaniard, but also have USA driving license.
My question: Is it cheaper to buy a car in the States,
drive it down & registered in Honduras, or to buy it right
in the country? Any tips? If you have any leads or
suggestions where to get a car/jeep type in Honduras, I
would greatly appreciated. Thanks & have a nice day!
ANSWER: Eduardo,
Cars are generally more expensive in Honduras if you buy them there. There are hefty tariffs to bring new cars into the country and used ones are expensive because someone imported them. It will probably cost you something to bring a used car into the country yourself and get it registered but I think it would be a lot cheaper in the end. Additionally, you will have a much greater selection to choose from if you buy the car in the US as well.
Here are some other things you may want to consider before you buy a car to bring to Honduras:
- Japanese cars and trucks are much more common than any other kind in Honduras. If you can get a Japanese brand it will be much easier and cheaper to have it maintained. Or should you ever need to sell it there will be much greater demand for it within Honduras.
- The roads are not that great -- especially if you go outside the major cities. I would recommend a truck/SUV with four wheel drive over a car.
- Mechanical labor is extremely cheap in Honduras. So don't worry about getting an older vehicle. Think of it this way -- when cars die in the US they go to Honduras to be resurrected. The labor is so cheap that it becomes economical again to keep old vehicles running. Also, an older car/truck will have simpler systems that mechanics there will be more likely able to fix.
- Finding a trustworthy mechanic that you can count on can be a challenge. Once you do find one though make sure you treat him very well and nurture your relationship.
- You are from Spain so you are accustomed to higher fuel prices (unlike us in the United States); regardless though, fuel is expensive in Honduras. Diesel is usually cheaper there and it is easy to find throughout the country. Gasoline is easy to find as well but it often costs more. So you may want to consider diesel engines.
- Honduras can be very hot! Light colored vehicles are often more popular than dark colored ones for that reason.
What part of the country will you be moving too? Depending on where you are going I may be able to put you in contact with someone who can help you with your car.
And just curious, what type of business do you plan on starting?
Paul
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: Paul, thanks for your answers & tips with the last question. We have some colleagues in Texas so we may arrive there from Europe, then we'll try to get an used vehicle & drive down to San Pedro Sula or perhaps La Ceiba. In case you know anything about the paper work & registration of cars in Honduras that would be a great help. Thanking you again for all your help, Eduardo
Answer Eduardo,
This one is a bit outside my expertise unfortunately. I would encourage you to find someone in Honduras (perhaps you could make contact before arriving) to help you expedite the paperwork. It could either be an attorney or one of the "tramitadores." They can definitely help you get through the bureaucracy a lot faster; and, if you go the tramitadore route, inexpensively.
